Cons

Beds can be uncomfortable

Fee for Wi-Fi

Location is far from Cancun's most popular nightlife and restaurants

Bottom Line

The highlight of the Avalon Reef Club is its location; on the island Isla Mujeres, the hotel overlooks beautiful beaches and natural pools on all sides. All 129 rooms have ocean views and though their decor is bland -- lots of beige, minimal furniture, and white stucco walls -- they are clean and well-kept. The light, airy lobby is a bit kitschy (Mayan reliefs on the walls and lots of terra cotta), as are the restaurants, but the hotel's grounds are pristine. Most guests enjoy the secluded feel (and the hotel is only a 10-minute walk to the downtown area), but those looking for a wild spring break vacation may prefer to stay at one of the hotel's sister properties in the Hotel Zone, the Avalon Baccara or the Avalon Grand, which are granted day access to the Reef Club.

Oyster Hotel Review

Location

The Avalon Reef Club is located on Isla Mujeres, a small island off the coast of Cancun. Formerly a place sacred to the Mayans, nowadays the island is sacred to tourists looking for a quieter Cancun location with plenty of great snorkeling areas. But it's a bit too secluded for those who want the partying and shopping scene -- the island is a 20-minute boat ride from the mainland. Many day trippers flock to the island for the snorkeling, but then head back to the mainland for the nightlife. For those who stay on the island, the downtown area is a short walk or golf-cart drive away.

Sea turtles are regularly spotted in the waters surrounding the island, as are dolphins, and an underwater sculpture museum is just off the coast. The hotel is located on the northeast tip of the island, where the coast is rockier and the surf is a bit rougher.

20-minute boat ride plus a 22-minute drive to the Cancun International Airport

On Playa Norte beach

10-minute walk into town (Centro)

20-minute boat ride to Puerto Juarez

11-minute drive from Puerto Juarez to the Isla Shopping Center

13-minute drive from Puerto Juarez to downtown Cancun (Ciudad Cancun)

13-minute drive from Puerto Juarez to the Flamingo Shopping Center

38-minute drive from Puerto Juarez to Puerto Morelos, with quiet beaches and great snorkeling spots

1-hour drive from Puerto Juarez to Playa del Carmen, a laid-back and bustling town with great shopping and a well-heeled crowd

1-hour and 40-minute drive from Puerto Juarez to the Tulum Mayan ruins

Bottom Line

The highlight of the Avalon Reef Club is its location; on the island Isla Mujeres, the hotel overlooks beautiful beaches and natural pools on all sides. All 129 rooms have ocean views and though their decor is bland -- lots of beige, minimal furniture, and white stucco walls -- they are clean and well-kept. The light, airy lobby is a bit kitschy (Mayan reliefs on the walls and lots of terra cotta), as are the restaurants, but the hotel's grounds are pristine. Most guests enjoy the secluded feel (and the hotel is only a 10-minute walk to the downtown area), but those looking for a wild spring break vacation may prefer to stay at one of the hotel's sister properties in the Hotel Zone, the Avalon Baccara or the Avalon Grand, which are granted day access to the Reef Club.